Day One - Arrive Malaga or Granada airport, collect hire car and transfer to Granada for 2 nights

After you have settled into your hotel in Granada you can take a short walk to the souk like streets of the Alcaiceria surrounding the cathedral, here you can try the delicious array of tapas that Granada offers from broad beans cooked with ham, meat balls cooked with almond and saffron to crumbling slices of manchego cheese and the best jamon serrano from the Alpujarran village of Trevelez.

Day Two - Guided city walk of Granada 

For 2 hours this morning you will be given a guided tour of the historical centre of Granada by a professional city guide. You will learn of the battles between the Moors and the Christians plus of the legends that surround the medieval area of the Albaicin.

Pre-booked visit to The Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens

Short listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of The World, The Alhambra is an absolutely stunning complex of palaces, summer gardens, fountains and courtyards which once seen is never forgotten and often revisited time and time again. Built during the reign of the pleasure loving califas, every view inside the complex is a picture of harmony and balance with natural light and the sound of running water creating the perfect environment for meditation and relaxation; which was the essence of Moorish life at this time.

Early evening is the best time to wander around the Albaicin, the medieval quarter of Granada which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winding your way up you will eventually reach the Plaza de San Nicolas where local flamenco artists gather to practise, overlooking the famous panoramic view of The Alhambra with the snow capped sierra Nevada behind. 

Day Three - Transfer to Cordoba for 1 night

In medieval times Cordoba was the most advanced city in the whole of Europe, a centre of culture and learning where Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together in a thriving society. Today it is quite a sleepy Andalucían city with an unpretentious atmosphere, quite different from the passion and flamboyance of Seville. The streets surrounding the mezquita are filled with ancient bodegas and tapas bars and a visit to one of the cities truly authentic flamenco performances is an absolute must.

Day Four - Morning in Cordoba

The great mosque was built to rival Mecca and is a building of incredible mystic powers and the first glimpse inside is a jaw dropping experience. The jaw then drops further when you encounter a huge catholic cathedral almost hidden in the middle!

Surrounding the mezquita is the delightfully crumbling juderia; a fascinating place to get lost in as you wander around the narrow maze of streets, lined with geranium filled balconies and green shady plazas. There are many things to discover in the juderia from original Moorish bath houses, to one of the only three synagogues to have survived the expulsion of The Jews from Spain.

After lunch transfer to Seville for 2 nights

The flamboyant Andalucían capital city of Sevilla combines its Moorish history with the legacy of the Spanish Golden Age when Columbus brought back immeasurable wealth from The Americas. The beautiful Arabic minaret "la Giralda" towers over one of the largest gothic cathedrals in the world and the colourful Plaza de España contrasts with the Mudejar palaces of the Royal Alcazar.

Day Five - Guided walking tour of Seville

Local guide Concepción will give you a 2 hour guided walk of the city showing you the most famous historical sites plus many hidden gems that only the locals know. Her enthusiasm for her home town really brings the city to life and gives you an insight that the guide books never can.

After lunch you are free to further explore the city including a visit to the Royal Alcazar and cathedral, climb to the top of La Giralda, take a boat trip up the Río Guadalquivir or relax in the shade of the Marie Louisa park.

Day Six - Transfer to Ronda for 1 night

The hilltop town of Ronda sits on a ridge of The Serrania de Ronda and has been a strategic fortified village for thousands of years. Spread either side of the El Tajo gorge the old and new towns are joined by the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) which crosses the gorge. The views from Ronda are breathtaking and the excellent restaurants on the edge of the ridge offer lunch overlooking the sweeping views of distant mountains, deep green valleys and clusters of white villages.

Ronda is a great place to just walk out from your hotel and  wander around seeing what you can see. There is no major site-seeing agenda to be followed, just meander through the narrow streets, stop for a beer wander a bit more, and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient town.

Day Seven Transfer to Malaga for 1 night

Malaga is a city often overlooked by visitors to Andalucía, who never get to experience the heart of this truly Spanish city and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Tiny narrow streets lined with fresh fish restaurants and bodegas lead off from wide palm lined avenues with majestic buildings and designer stores. The Malageños say the best fresh fish of Andalucía is found in Malaga, the best wine of Andalucía is made in Malaga and the best fiesta of Andalucía is celebrated in Malaga; their pride for their city and priorities in life make a stay here very pleasant surprise.

Visit to The Picasso Museum

Picasso was born in Malaga and a visit to the new Picasso Museum is a must along with a walk around the Alcazabar, the cathedral and an evening stroll along the seaside "paseo maritimo"  where the air is filled with the aroma of skewered sardines cooking on the open fires of the beach side "chiringuitos".

Day Eight -

Transfer to Malaga airport, deposit hire car  and say farewell to Andalucía!       ¡Hasta pronto!